Backstreet Boys Star Brian Littrell Faces Violent Threats in Florida Beach Trespassing Battle
Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell has asserted in a recent court filing that his family has been subjected to violent threats over the past year as he endeavors to prevent trespassing on his private beachfront property in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The 51-year-old singer has been embroiled in a legal conflict since September, when he initiated a lawsuit against Carolyn Barrington Hill, a 67-year-old Florida woman, for allegedly trespassing on his beachfront.
Escalating Legal Dispute and Alleged Threats
Littrell disclosed to Fox News Digital that his family has been targeted with death threats from protesters. He alleged that individuals have threatened to bring firearms and to burn down his family's $3.8 million waterfront mansion. The Daily Mail first reported on the trespassing issues in July, and Littrell's attorneys have been contacted for comment regarding these serious allegations.
Littrell and his wife, Leighanne, filed their initial lawsuit against Hill in September of last year, but the judge overseeing the case dismissed it without prejudice last month. On February 25, the couple filed an amended complaint in their ongoing legal fight against Hill, following a prior suit filed in June against Walton County. They claim the county's sheriff's department has refused to remove trespassers from their private beach property.
Legal Proceedings and Damages Sought
In the amended complaint, the Littrells have requested a trial by jury and are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 due to alleged emotional distress and economic losses, according to documents obtained by the Daily Mail. The initial complaint accused Hill of attempting to 'antagonize, bully, and harass the Littrell family by frequently trespassing' on their beach property.
Heidi Mehaffey, Hill's attorney, filed a motion to dismiss Littrell's amended complaint on March 17. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Mehaffey argued that the complaint is 'legally deficient' and subject to dismissal, noting that Hill has asked the court to dismiss all seven counts of trespass as the plaintiffs failed to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted.
Family's Response and Community Tensions
Littrell emphasized that Hill is merely the most vocal critic, but other protesters have allegedly made violent threats against his family. He described threats including burning down their house, bringing guns, spraying mace, and physical violence. Leighanne Littrell expressed fear, stating it is 'scary to be in this small community with a lot of angry people' and that they now avoid certain restaurants due to hostility.
The couple, who share a 23-year-old son, country singer Baylee Littrell, defended themselves as 'good people' and 'law-abiding Christians' who aim to maintain peaceful community relations while educating others on property protocols. Littrell added that they are 'not trying to take something that's not ours' but simply wish to enjoy their sand.
Attorney's Perspective and Property Rights
Peter Ticktin of the Ticktin Law Group, representing the Littrells, described the case as a straightforward defense of property rights. He likened the beach to Littrell's 'private backyard' and criticized protesters for creating drama instead of allowing peaceful enjoyment. Ticktin argued that the controversy is unfounded, as there are public beaches available, and accused critics of assaulting 'American values.'
Littrell's property, a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home purchased for $3.8 million in February 2023, has faced trespassing issues since acquisition. In Florida, wet sand and water below the mean high-water line are typically public, while dry sand above can be privately owned.
Incidents and Viral Video
A viral video from April 2023 showed Littrell and his wife disputing with beachgoers over property lines, with Leighanne arguing about the 'water's edge' and Brian holding a 'No Trespassing' sign. The lawsuit claims Hill repeatedly entered the property without permission and shouted at their property manager. Hill, in a video published by News 13, accused the property manager of threatening her with a drill, prompting her to consider pepper spray in response.
Hill filed a motion to dismiss the suit on November 19. As the legal battle continues, Littrell remains focused on preserving his joy and the peaceful enjoyment of his seaside property, despite the alleged threats and community tensions.
